Running is one of the best, easiest, and cheapest forms of exercising. It's great for cardio training. The low speed and long period running has low impact on your knees but is great for your endurance. You
only need a good pair of running shoes and a comfortable set of clothes and you
are good to go. You can even take your kid and put him/her in a stroller for
some bonding time at the park or your pet dog for a much-needed exercise. All
these sound too easy for every day running.
However, all these simple and easy things become unusually hard and
even dangerous during winter season. First, there is probably snow everywhere
and the road is more slippery making it extra dangerous for runners. Second, you
would have to brave the cold wind and make your legs and feet work despite what
could be freezing temperature. Third and definitely not the last, the thought
of running versus marshmallows and a hot cup of chocolate over bonfire do not
make things any easier for a runner.
Despite what seemed to be the disadvantages of running during the
winter season, this is not at all impossible. In fact, experts say it could be
easy once you get the hang of it and that you might even find it more enjoyable
given the fact that you can run for as long as you can without drenching in
sweat.
If you are open to the possibility of running during the winter season,
here are some tips from the experts on how to run safely yet effectively:
1.
Know your goal.
Go back to square one and ask yourself why you want to run
in the first place. Are you prepping for a race or simply vowed to get better
and fitter? If running is the closest exercise to your heart, it would not at
all be hard to know your goal and follow it. Knowing what your goal is will get
that motivation inside you going. Once your goal is achieved, do not forget to
reward yourself before moving on to your next goal.
2.
Stay Motivated.
It is easy to be
motivated but not as easy to stay motivated. Knowing what your goal is will
easily get you motivated but how do you stay motivated especially during the
winter months when it is way more appealing to stay at home and pig out with
the whole family?
A great tip here
from the experts is to have a running partner and figure out a schedule that
works for you both. Through this way, you would find it harder to back out on
your goal because someone is waiting for you. In fact, you can even encourage
more people to join. Statistics has it that group runs are very popular during
the winter season.
3.
Pick the Right Clothes.
In any other season, you can literally wear what you feel
comfortable running with. But for winter season, this is not the case. You have
to pick the right clothes. By right, it means to layer properly without
overdressing as is the usual case for first time runners in winter season.
Experts say to dress 15 to 20 degrees warmer but not more
than that or you might have a harder time running due to heavy clothes and possible
risk of overheating. But dressing 15 to 20 degrees will keep you warm enough to
let you finish your running goal for that day.
Another great tip here is to go outside and test the
weather. If you feel chilled, then you probably are wearing the right clothes
but if you feel warm despite the chilly weather, tone it down by removing a
layer.
4.
Get the Right Accessories.
This is equally important as picking the right clothes.
They go hand in hand. Remember that you will know you are wearing the proper
clothing if you feel kind of chilly once you get out the door? The trick to keep
you warmer is through accessorizing. Through this way, you can put it on when
you feel it is extremely cold and remove it if it gets warmer.
The appropriate accessories every runner in winter must
have are running jacket that totally blocks wind and moisture, hat, headband,
gloves, and may be ear muffs depending on the person.
5.
Pick the Right Time of Day to Run.
Experts say that it is best to run during daylight hours
where one can also get his/her much-needed dose of the sunshine vitamin.
However, this does not mean that running under a light snow fall and a
gazillion stars is not enjoyable. This will actually depend on one’s
preference.
What would be a great idea here is when there is sun, run
and make the most out of it. For those gloomier days, get the group together and
run under a blanket of stars and may be camp out for some snack with bon fire
afterwards for a more pleasant experience.
Remember that the only difference in running during winter is the
weather, you will likely have to change your running outfit and add on a bunch
of other accessories to keep you warm but the rest like food, water, and
supplies remain a staple. Experiment on running in the winter and you just
might love it. Just watch for those slippery trails though.
